This week, we’re continuing our series of conversations that go beyond Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to tackle larger issues that affect all of us – our health, our happiness, and our experiences of the world. The topic this week: race. Listen in for how Farris and Jenny think about race, talk about it, and grapple with it on a daily basis.

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Show Notes:2:11 – “It’s human nature to categorize people? Not really!”4:19 – Farris, on growing up surrounded by kids that didn’t look like him: “Sometimes I felt like I didn’t know what I was supposed to know… I felt like I had to know a little bit about everything.”5:20 – The memorable year that Farris asked his parents for a book on Buddhism, and how that started his long path to acupuncture.9:39 – Is surrounding yourself with only folks that look and think like you a good or bad thing?11:17 – “Being Black is confusing.”14:11 – Jenny on racialized shame growing up: “I was always worried that people would connect me to [Asian history].”19:55 – The importance of diversity at the OurSpace clinic!

Credits: Intro and Outro music: "If You Will Leave Me" by SaxotherapyProduced by Jenny Chen

Behind the Voices

Jenny Chen is an award-winning multimedia journalist and science writer. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Time.com, and NPR member stations. She was formerly the editor-in0chief of a local Asian American news magazine called Asian Fortune. Jenny is an avid fan or acupuncture and holistic medicine - and especially a fan of OurSpace!

Farris grew up in Georgia and worked for years as a youth wilderness counselor, teacher, and tutor before moving to Maryland to pursue a degree in acupuncture. A recent Tai Sophia graduate, he is committed to bringing affordable acupuncture and wellness education to groups in the DC Metro area. As Farris puts it, “I am continually amazed that tiny pins inserted just under the surface of the skin and a thoughtful question by a practitioner helped heal my shoulder, strengthen my bladder, and lift my depression; the same medicine has allowed me to help others heal their necks, stomachs, cancers, and spirits. I believe acupuncture is the answer to crises of healthcare, community, and ultimately the planet."